JP2013545532A - Surgical instrument with modular shaft and end effector - Google Patents

Abstract

  A surgical instrument operable to cut tissue includes a body assembly and a selectively connectable end effector assembly. The end effector assembly may include a transmission assembly, an end effector, and a rotation knob operable to rotate the transmission assembly and the end effector. The body assembly includes a casing having a distal opening configured to receive a portion of the trigger and end effector assembly. The first and second coupling mechanism portions cooperate to couple the end effector assembly to the body assembly for use. The coupling may mechanically and / or electrically couple the end effector assembly to the body assembly by various coupling mechanisms. For example, a threaded slip nut may be coupled to the screw within the body assembly. In one configuration, the end effector assembly may have a locking tab that rotates into a rotating recess in the body assembly. The locking tab may include electrical contacts and / or optically sensitive indicators.

Description

(Cross-reference of related applications)
This application claims priority to US Provisional Application No. 61 / 410,603 entitled “Energy-Based Surgical Instruments” filed on Nov. 5, 2010, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. .

  This application claims priority to US Provisional Application No. 61 / 487,846 entitled “Energy-Based Surgical Instruments” filed May 19, 2011, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. .

  This application has priority over non-provisional application No. 13 / 269,870 entitled “Surgical Instrument with Modular Shaft and End Effector” filed Oct. 10, 2011, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Insist.

  In some situations, endoscopic surgical instruments are often preferred over conventional open surgical devices because smaller incisions can reduce post-surgery recovery time and complications. Thus, some endoscopic surgical instruments may be suitable for placing a distal end effector at a desired surgical site via a trocar cannula. These distal end effectors can engage tissue in a number of ways to achieve a diagnostic or therapeutic effect (eg, end cutters, graspers, cutters, staplers, clip appliers, access devices, drug / gene therapy) Delivery devices and energy delivery devices using ultrasound, RF, lasers, etc.). The endoscopic surgical instrument may have a shaft operated by a clinician between the end effector and the handle portion. Such a shaft allows for insertion to a desired depth and rotation around the longitudinal shaft of the shaft, thereby facilitating positioning of the end effector within the patient.

  An example of an endoscopic surgical instrument is U.S. Pat. No. 5,827,083, filed Aug. 26, 2008, entitled “Motor-Driving Surgical Cutting and Fasting Instrument with Loading Force Feedback”, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. No. 7,416,101, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, US Pat. No. 7,738,971, entitled “Post-Sterilization Programming of Surgical Instruments”, issued June 15, 2010, the disclosure thereof Is published herein on 13 April 2006, “Tissue Pad for Use with an Ultrasonic Sur,” incorporated herein by reference. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0079874 entitled "Gical Instrument", U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0079874 entitled "Ultrasonic Device for Cutting and Coagulating" published on August 16, 2007, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 2007/0191713, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0282333 entitled “Ultrasonic Waveguide and Blade” published on Dec. 6, 2007, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. A US patent entitled “Ultrasonic Device for Cutting and Coagulating” published on August 21, 2008, which is incorporated into the document. Application Publication No. 2008/0200940, US Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0143797 entitled “Cordless Hand-Held Ultrasonic Catching Device” published on June 4, 2009, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0209990, entitled "Motorized Surgical Cutting and Fasting Instrument Handling Handle Source Power", published August 20, 2009, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. "Ultrasonic Device for" published March 18, 2010, incorporated herein. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0069940 entitled "Ingertip Control" and U.S. Patent Application entitled "Rotating Transducer Mount for Ultrasonic Instruments" published on Jan. 20, 2011, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Publication 2011/0015660 is mentioned. Similarly, various methods by which a mechanical device may be adapted to include a portable power source are described in “Energy-Based Surgical Instruments” filed Nov. 5, 2010, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. In US Provisional Application No. 61 / 410,603.

  A further example of an endoscopic surgical instrument is described in US Pat. No. 6,500, entitled “Electrosurgical Systems and Techniques for Sealing Tissue”, issued December 31, 2002, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. No. 176, U.S. Pat. No. 7,112,201 entitled “Electrosurgical Instrument and Method of Use” issued on Sep. 26, 2006, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. U.S. Patent No. 7,1 entitled "Electrosurgical Working End for Control Energy Delivery" issued October 24, 2006 No. 25,409, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, US Pat. No. 7,169,146, entitled “Electrosurgical Probe and Method of Use,” issued January 30, 2007, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference US Patent No. 7,186,253, entitled "Electrosurgical Jaw Structure for Controlled Energy Delivery", issued March 6, 2007, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. U.S. Patent No. 7,189,233 entitled "Electrosurgical Instrument", issued March 13, published May 22, 2007, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference US Pat. No. 7,220,951 entitled “Surgical Sealing Surfaces and Methods of Use”, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, “Polymer Compositions Exhibiting a PTC Proper Prototypes PTC Proper Prototypes PTC Properties US Patent No. 7,309,849 entitled "of Fabrication", US Patent No. 7,309,849, entitled "Electronic Instrument and Method of Use", issued December 25, 2007, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 311,709, “Elect” issued April 8, 2008, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. US Pat. No. 7,354,440 entitled “Organic Instrument and Method of Use”, US Pat. No. 7, entitled “Electronic Instrument”, issued June 3, 2008, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. No. 381,209, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, “The Surgical Instrument Compiling First and Second Drive Actable by a Common Trigger US Patent Application No. 201 / published in the United States” published on Apr. 14, 2011. No. 0087218, and its disclosure, incorporated herein by reference, June 2, 2011 U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 151,181 entitled "Motor Drive Electronic Device with Mechanical and Electrical Feedback", filed on the Japanese application.

  In addition, the surgical instrument is used in a robot-assisted surgical environment such as that disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,783,524 entitled “Robotic Surgical Tool with Ultrasound Customizing and Cutting Instrument” issued August 31, 2004. Or may be adapted for use.

  Although several systems and methods have been created and used for surgical instruments, it is believed that no one has made or used the invention described in the accompanying claims prior to the inventor of the present invention. .

At the end of the specification is appended claims which specifically point out and claim the right of this technology, which reads the description of specific embodiments below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is thought that a deeper understanding can be obtained. In the drawings, like reference numerals indicate like elements.
1 is a perspective view of an exemplary surgical system including a surgical instrument and a generator. FIG. FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of another exemplary surgical instrument handle. FIG. 3 is a side view of the end effector of the surgical instrument of FIG. 2 shown in an open position. FIG. 3B is a side view of the end effector of the surgical instrument of FIG. 3A shown in a closed position. FIG. 3B is a plan view of a lower grip portion of the end effector of FIG. FIG. 6 is a side view of a first exemplary coupling mechanism showing a detached end effector assembly with a portion of the handle assembly removed to show its interior. FIG. 5B is a side view of the coupling mechanism of FIG. 5A showing the end effector assembly coupled to the handle assembly. FIG. 10 is a side view of a second exemplary coupling mechanism showing a detached end effector assembly with a portion of the handle assembly removed to show its interior. FIG. 6B is a side view of the coupling mechanism of FIG. 6A showing the end effector assembly coupled to the handle assembly. FIG. 10 is a side view of a third exemplary coupling mechanism showing the end effector assembly detached with a portion of the handle assembly removed to show its interior. FIG. 7B is a side view of the coupling mechanism of FIG. 7A showing the end effector assembly coupled to the handle assembly. FIG. 6 is a side view of a fourth exemplary coupling mechanism, with the end effector assembly detached with a portion of the handle assembly removed to show its interior. FIG. 8B is a side view of the coupling mechanism of FIG. 8A showing the end effector assembly coupled to the handle assembly. FIG. 10 is a side view of a fifth exemplary coupling mechanism showing the end effector assembly detached with a portion of the handle assembly removed to show its interior. FIG. 9B is a side view of the coupling mechanism of FIG. 9A showing the end effector assembly coupled to the handle assembly. FIG. 10 is a side view of a sixth exemplary coupling mechanism, with the end effector assembly detached with a portion of the handle assembly removed to show its interior. FIG. 10B is a side view of the coupling mechanism of FIG. 10A showing the end effector assembly coupled to the handle assembly. FIG. 10 is a side view of a seventh exemplary coupling mechanism, showing a detached end effector assembly with a portion of the handle assembly removed to show its interior. FIG. 11B is a side view of the coupling mechanism of FIG. 11A showing the end effector assembly coupled to the handle assembly. FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary end effector assembly for use with an eighth exemplary coupling mechanism. FIG. 13 is a rear view of the end effector assembly of FIG. 12. FIG. 13 is a front view of a handle assembly configured to receive the end effector assembly of FIG. 12. FIG. 3 is a side view of a first electrical coupling mechanism showing a connected end effector assembly with a portion of the handle assembly removed to show its interior. FIG. 6 is a side view of a second electrical coupling mechanism showing the end effector assembly with a portion of the handle assembly removed and coupled to show its interior. FIG. 10 depicts a side view of a third electrical coupling mechanism showing a coupled end effector assembly with a portion of the handle assembly removed to show its interior.

  These drawings are not intended to be limiting in any way, and it is contemplated that various embodiments of the technology may be implemented in a variety of other ways, including those not necessarily shown in the drawings. Has been. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several aspects of the present technology and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the technology. However, it should be understood that this technique is not limited to the exact configuration shown in the figures.

  The following description of a particular embodiment of the technology should not be used to limit its scope. Other examples, features, aspects, embodiments, and advantages of the technology will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description. The following description is, by way of illustration, one of the best modes contemplated for implementing the technique. As will be appreciated, any of the techniques described herein may implement various other obvious aspects without departing from this technique. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions are of exemplary nature and should not be considered limiting.

  It should be understood that the following teachings can be readily applied to any reference cited herein. Various suitable ways in which the following teachings can be combined with the references cited herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

I. Overview of Exemplary Ultrasound Surgical System FIG. 1 illustrates an ultrasonic surgical instrument (50), a generator (20), and a cable (operable to connect the generator (20) to the surgical instrument (50). Fig. 3 shows an exemplary ultrasonic surgical system (10) including 30). A preferred generator (20) is GEN 300 (sold by Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. of Cincinnati, Ohio). By way of example only, generator (20) is disclosed in US Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0087212, entitled “Surgical Generator for Ultrasonic and Electronic Devices,” published April 14, 2011, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. In accordance with the teachings of Although the surgical instrument (50) is described with reference to an ultrasonic surgical instrument, the techniques described below will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. , End cutters, grippers, cutters, staplers, clip appliers, access devices, drug / gene therapy delivery devices, and energy delivery devices using ultrasound, RF, laser, etc., and / or any combination thereof However, it should be noted that it can be used with a variety of surgical instruments that are not so limited. This example is also described with reference to a cabled surgical instrument (50), which is published June 4, 2009, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. It should be understood that it may be adapted to code restaurant operations such as those disclosed in US Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0143797, entitled “Cordless Hand-held Ultrasonic Catching Cutting Device”. In addition, the surgical device (50) is also robot-assisted as disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,783,524, entitled “Robotic Surgical Tool with Ultrasound Customizing and Cutting Instrument” issued August 31, 2004. It may be used in a surgical environment or adapted for use.

  The surgical instrument (50) of this example includes an assembled handle assembly (60), an elongated transmission assembly (70), and a transducer (100). The transmission assembly (70) is coupled to and extends distally from the assembled handle assembly (60) at the proximal end of the transmission assembly (70). In this example, the transmission assembly (70) is configured as an elongate thin tubular assembly for endoscopic applications, but the transmission assembly (70) is instead disclosed herein by reference. US Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0282333 entitled “Ultrasonic Waveguide and Blade” published December 6, 2007, and “Ultrasonic Device for Cutting and Coagulation published August 21, 2008,” It should be understood that it may be a short assembly such as that disclosed in US Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0200940. The transmission assembly (70) of this embodiment includes a sheath (72), an inner tube actuating member (not shown), a waveguide (not shown), and an end at the distal end of the transmission assembly (70). It has an effector (80). In this example, the end effector (80) includes a blade (82) coupled to the waveguide, a clamp arm (84) operable to pivot at the proximal end of the transmission assembly (70), and a desired Provides one or more clamp pads (86) that can be coupled to the clamp arm (84). Also, the clamp arm (84) and related functions are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,989,995 entitled "Ultrasonic Clamp Coagulator Approved Clamp Arm Pivot Mount", the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. It should also be understood that it is constructed and operable in accordance with at least some of the teachings of 5,980,510. The waveguide is configured to transmit ultrasonic energy from the transducer (100) to the blade (82), but may be flexible, semi-flexible, or rigid. . One exemplary ultrasonic transducer (100) is an example of Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. of Cincinnati, Ohio. Sold by Model No. HP054. The waveguide may also be configured to amplify mechanical vibrations transmitted through the waveguide to the blade (82), as is well known in the art. The waveguide may further have a function of controlling the gain of longitudinal vibration along the waveguide and a function of tuning the waveguide to the resonance frequency of the present device.

In this embodiment, when the acoustic assembly is not taken up by the tissue, for tuning the acoustic assembly to a preferred resonant frequency f _o, the distal end of the blade (82) is disposed in the vicinity of the antinode. When energy is applied to the transducer (100), the distal end of the blade (82), for example, the default oscillation frequency _{f o} of 55.5 kHz, for example, the maximum amplitude in the range of about 10 to 500 [mu] m, preferably about It is configured to move in the longitudinal direction in the range of 20 to about 200 μm. When the transducer (100) of this example is driven, these mechanical vibrations are transmitted through the waveguide to the end effector (80). In this embodiment, the blade (82) is connected to the waveguide, but vibrates at the ultrasonic frequency. Therefore, when the tissue is clamped between the blade (82) and the clamp arm (84), the ultrasonic vibration of the blade (82) simultaneously cuts the tissue and denatures the protein in adjacent tissue cells. Can be performed, thereby providing a solidification effect with relatively little thermal diffusion. Current may also be provided through the blade (82) and the clamp arm (84) to cauterize the tissue. Although several configurations of the transmission assembly (70) and transducer (100) have been described, other suitable configurations of the transmission assembly (70) and transducer (100) may be considered in view of the teachings herein. Would be apparent to those skilled in the art.

  The assembled handle assembly (60) of this example has a coupling housing portion (62) and a lower portion (64). The coupling housing portion (62) houses the transducer (100) at the proximal end of the coupling housing portion (62) and the proximal end of the transmission assembly (70) at the distal end of the coupling housing portion (62). Configured to do. An opening, which will be described in more detail below, is provided at the distal end of the coupling housing portion (62) for insertion of various transmission assemblies (70). In this embodiment, the rotary knob (66) is shown as rotating the transmission assembly (70) and / or the transducer (100), but the rotary knob (66) is merely as desired. Should be understood. The lower portion (64) of the assembled handle assembly (60) includes a trigger (68) and is configured to be grasped by a user with one hand. One exemplary alternative configuration merely for the lower portion (64) is “Rotating Transducer Mount for Ultrasonic Surgical Instruments” published January 20, 2011, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. FIG. 1 of US Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0015660 entitled A toggle button (not shown) may be located on the distal surface of the lower portion (64) and can be manipulated using the generator (20) to actuate the transducer (100) at various operational levels. It is. For example, a first toggle button can drive the transducer (100) at a maximum energy level, while a second toggle button can drive the transducer (100) at a minimum non-zero energy level. it can. Of course, the toggle button may be configured to obtain energy levels other than the maximum and / or minimum energy levels that would be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. Further, the toggle button may be located anywhere on the assembled handle assembly (60), on the transducer (100) and / or away from the surgical instrument (50), and any number of toggle buttons. May be provided. Although the assembled handle assembly (60) has been described with respect to two separate parts (62, 64), the assembled handle assembly (60) may be a unitary assembly in which both parts (62, 64) are combined. Should be understood. The assembled handle assembly (60) may alternatively be divided into a plurality of individual parts, such as a separate trigger portion (operable by the user's hand or leg) and a separate coupling housing portion (62). The trigger portion may drive the transducer (100) and may be remote from the interlocking housing portion (62). As will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein, the assembled handle assembly (60) may be made of durable plastic (such as polycarbonate or liquid crystal polymer), ceramic and / or metal, or any other suitable You may be comprised from material. Still other configurations for the assembled handle assembly (60) will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. For example, the instrument (50) may be operated as part of a robotic system. Also, other configurations of the assembled handle assembly (60) will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. By way of example only, surgical instrument (50) is disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,980,510, US Patent Application Publication Nos. 2006/0079874, 2007/0191713, 2007/0282333, 2008 / May be configured in accordance with at least a portion of the teachings of US Patent No. 0200940, US 2011/0015660, US Patent Nos. 6,500,176, 2011/0087218, and / or US

  A further optional configuration and mechanism for the surgical instrument (50) is a US patent entitled “Ultrasonic Surgical Instrument With Modular End Effector” filed on the same date as this specification, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Application No. [Attorney Docket No. END7012USNP. [0587824].

II. Overview of Exemplary Radio Frequency (RF) Surgical Instruments Some surgical instruments are adapted to use ultrasonic energy for tissue surgery, while the surgical instruments shown in FIGS. 2-3B Other surgical instruments, such as (150), can be configured to deliver energy, such as electrical energy and / or thermal energy, to the patient's tissue. The surgical instrument (150) includes a handle assembly (152), a transmission assembly (170), and an end effector (200) coupled to the distal end of the transmission assembly (170) (shown in FIGS. 3A-3B). Including. As described in more detail below, the handle assembly (152) provides electrical energy to the end effector (200) and / or a knife or cutting member (210) (see FIGS. 3A-3B) within the end effector (200). One or more switches and / or triggers may be included for advancing (shown) to disconnect tissue positioned within the end effector (200).

A. Exemplary Handle Assembly Referring to FIG. 2, the handle assembly (152) includes a power source (not shown) such as a generator (20) and / or a power source housed within the handle assembly (152), for example. One or more electrical inputs (160) are operably coupled to any other power source. The transmission assembly (170) includes an end effector (200) extending distally from the handle assembly (152) and coupled to the distal end of the transmission assembly (170). The power source provides current to the surgical instrument (150), and the power source provides current magnitude, duration, waveform, and / or frequency to provide the desired amount of energy to the surgical instrument (150). May be operable to control. The handle assembly (152) of this embodiment is electrically connected by a first conductor (220) extending from the transmission assembly (170) so that the current supplied to the input (160) can be transmitted to the end effector (200). A handle body (154) configured to correspond to a switch or trigger (156) is included to electrically couple the target input (160). As shown in FIG. 2, the handle body (154) includes two longitudinally divided portions that are assembled together to form the handle body (154). As shown in FIG. 2, one portion is omitted to show some of the various internal components of the handle assembly (152). In various embodiments, the half of the handle body (154) can be snap-fit, press-fit, welded, bonded, and / or interlocked, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. Can be applied. Still further, the handle assembly (152) may be an integral piece instead of two separate halves. In yet another alternative, this portion is not a half, but may simply be a separate connectable component such as a handle body (154) with removable top and / or side portions. Still other configurations for the handle body (154) will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein.

  The first conductor (220) is located in the end effector (200) between the trigger (156) and the first electrode (230) (shown in FIGS. 3A-3B), and the trigger (156) and the input (160). Including a wire such as an insulated wire that also extends between the two. In this embodiment, the first conductor (220) is connected to the first electrode (230) in the upper grip portion (206) and the first electrode (230) in the lower grip portion (208). However, it should be understood that the first electrode (230) may be only in the upper grip (206) or only in the lower grip (208). The first slip ring (176) electrically connects a portion of the first conductor (220) that extends from the transmission assembly (170) to a portion of the first conductor (220) housed in the handle assembly (152). Are connected. The handle assembly (152) is electrically coupled to the power source by the input (160) and extends from the assembly (170) for transmission to the end effector (200) to the second electrode (232). Is further included. In this example, the second conductor (222) is connected to the second electrode (232) in the upper grip (206) and the second electrode (232) in the lower grip (208). However, it should be understood that the second electrode (232) may be only in the upper grip (206) or only in the lower grip (208). The transmission assembly (170) includes an outer sheath (172) that is coaxial with and disposed about the shaft (174) and the shaft (174) is received within the outer sheath (172). . The second conductor (222) is insulative to insulate the second conductor (222) from the first conductor (220), the shaft (174), and / or the first electrode (230). Wire with a plastic jacket or sheath. The second slip ring (178) is electrically connected to a portion of the second conductor (222) that extends from the transmission assembly (170) to a portion of the second conductor (222) housed within the handle assembly (152). It is comprised so that it may connect. The slip ring (176, 178) of the present example is mounted on the handle body (154) and is in circular contact with a corresponding circular or at least semi-circular contact mounted on a portion of the transmission assembly (170). Or at least a semi-circular contact. Thus, the slip rings (176, 178) still provide an electrical path from the transmission assembly (170) to the first and second conductors (220, 222) while transmitting to the handle assembly (152). Allows rotation of the assembly (170).

  Of course, the handle assembly (152) and the surgical instrument (150) may include other configurations. For example, the handle assembly (152) and / or the surgical instrument (150) transmits bipolar RF energy to the tissue (eg, coagulates or seals the tissue), the tissue cutting element and one or more It may contain the element. Examples of such instruments are described by Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. (Cincinnati, Ohio) ENSEAL® tissue sealing device. A further example of such an instrument and related concepts is described in US Pat. No. 6, entitled “Electrological Systems and Techniques for Sealing Tissue” issued December 31, 2002, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. No. 500,176, US Pat. No. 7,112,201 entitled “Electronic Instrument and Method of Use” issued on Sep. 26, 2006, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. US entitled “Electrosurgical Working End for Control Energy Delivery” published October 24, 2006, incorporated herein. US Pat. No. 7,125,409, US Pat. No. 7,169,146, entitled “Electrological Probe and Method of Use,” issued January 30, 2007, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. U.S. Patent No. 7,186,253, entitled "Electrosurgical Jaw Structure for Controlled Energy Delivery", issued March 6, 2007, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. U.S. Patent No. 7,189,233 entitled "Electrosurgical Instrument" issued March 13, 2007, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, U.S. Patent No. 7,220,951 entitled "Surgical Sealing Surfaces and Methods of Use", issued on May 22, "Polymer Compositions Exhibiting" issued on December 8, 2007, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. U.S. Patent No. 7,309,849 entitled "a PTC Property and Methods of Fabrication", the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, "Electrical Instrument and Method of Use" published December 25, 2007. US Pat. No. 7,311,709, published on Apr. 8, 2008, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. U.S. Patent No. 7,354,440 entitled "Electrosurgical Instrument and Method of Use", U.S. Patent No. 7, entitled "Electrosurgical Instrument", issued June 3, 2008, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. No. 381,209, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, “The Surgical Instrument Compiling First and Second Drive Actable by a Common Trigger US Patent Application No. 201 / published in the United States” published on Apr. 14, 2011. 0087218, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, 2011 No. 13 / 151,181 entitled “Motor Drive Electronic Device with Mechanical and Electrical Feedback” filed Jun. 2,

B. Exemplary RF End Effector The end effector (200) of this example includes an upper grip (206) and a lower grip (208). The upper gripping portion (206) is pivotable relative to the lower gripping portion (208), and the operation of the shaft (174) causes the tissue to be sandwiched between the upper gripping portion (206) and the lower gripping portion (208). Can be operated. Actuation of the shaft (174) may be performed by actuating the trigger (156) with a second trigger, button, motor, solenoid, and / or any other suitable method. Both the upper gripping portion (206) and the lower gripping portion (208) of the present embodiment have a first electrode (between the proximal end (202) and the distal end (204) of the end effector (200). 230) (shown in FIGS. 3A-3B). As shown in FIG. 4, the first electrode (230) of the present embodiment has a first side surface portion extending along the first side surfaces of both the upper grip portion (206) and the lower grip portion (208), A second side portion extending along the second side of both the upper grip portion (206) and the lower grip portion (208), and second relative to both the upper grip portion (206) and the lower grip portion (208). Including a lateral end connecting the one side portion and the second side portion. The upper grip part (206) and the lower grip part (208) of the present embodiment are insulated from the first electrode (230), and the second electrode having a similar shape inserted from the first electrode (230). (232) is further included as the first electrode (230). In some variations, the first electrode (230) may instead be an insert of the second electrode (232) relative to the upper grip (206), and the second electrode (232) The lower grip (208) may be an insert of the first electrode (230) and vice versa. In other variations, the upper grip (206) includes only the first electrode (230) and the lower grip (208) includes only the second electrode (232), and vice versa. In yet another configuration, the second electrode (232) may be actuable by a cutting member (210). Both the upper gripping portion (206) and the lower gripping portion (208) include a longitudinal channel (not shown) configured to allow longitudinal translation of the cutting member (210). Still other configurations for the end effector (200) are described in US Pat. Nos. 6,500,176, 7,112,201, 7,125,409, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. No. 7, 169, 146, No. 7, 186, 253, No. 7, 189, 233, No. 7, 220, 951, No. 7, 309, 849, No. 7 , 311,709, 7,354,440, 7,381,209, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0087218, and / or “Motor Drive Electronic Device” filed on June 2, 2011. disclosed in US patent application Ser. No. 13 / 151,181 entitled “With Mechanical and Electrical Feedback”. That.

  In this example, this is merely optional, but the trigger (156) (shown in FIG. 2) sandwiches the tissue between the upper grip (206) and the lower grip (208) and One conductor (220) is operable to selectively supply energy from the power source to the first electrode (230). In some variations, the trigger (156) is operable to sandwich tissue while the button selectively supplies energy from the power source to the first electrode (230) by the first conductor (220). May be. When the power source is coupled to the electrical input (160), the second electrode (232) may be steadily coupled to the power source by the second conductor (222), or in one alternative example The second trigger and / or button may selectively supply power to the second electrode (232). Thus, when the trigger (156) is activated, current flows from the first electrode (230) to the second electrode (232), cauterizing the tissue therebetween. This heat may denature the collagen within the tissue, and in cooperation with the pinching pressure provided by the gripping portions (206, 208) of the end effector (200), the denatured collagen forms a seal within the tissue. Also good. It should be understood that unipolar RF energy and / or heating elements may be used in other variations, but in this example, the end effector (200) uses bipolar RF energy. Configured to seal the tissue. Instead of a trigger (156) that causes current to flow, a separate button (157) may be used to provide power to the electrodes (230, 232). For example, the button (157) sends a signal to a power source such as a generator (20) to provide current to the electrodes (230, 232), but simply using the trigger (156), the grip (206, 208) may be sandwiched mechanically together. In addition or alternatively, the button (157) may be mechanically or electromechanically locked out of the trigger (156) so that the trigger (156) is not fully operational unless the buttons (157) are pressed simultaneously. May bring about. Additionally or alternatively, trigger (156) may provide a lockout to button (157).

  In this example, the first side of the electrode (230, 232) is configured to form a first seal within the tissue, and the second side of the electrode (230, 232) is configured within the tissue. It is configured to form a second seal. Of course, other configurations may include multiple electrodes and / or multiple electrode portions that can form any suitable number of seals within the tissue. Since tissue is sealed on either side of the longitudinal channel ends of the upper grip (206) and lower grip (208), the cutting member (210) is used to cut the two sealed portions of tissue. ) Is actuated distally. In some variations, the cutting member (210) may be actuated subsequent to tissue sealing. Additionally or alternatively, RF energy may be supplied to the cutting member (210) to further assist in cutting the tissue. Indeed, in some variations, the cutting member (210) may not be sharp, and tissue cutting supplies RF energy to the non-sharp cutting member (210) and advances the cutting member (210) distally. Is done. Further, the cutting member (210) may be actuated by a second trigger (not shown) or, in one alternative, by further actuation of the trigger (156). In this example, the cutting member (210) includes an upper flange and a lower flange on opposite ends of the blade, thereby forming an I-shaped member. As the cutting member (210) is actuated distally, the flange helps compress the upper grip (206) against the lower grip (208).

  Of course, end effector (200) and surgical instrument (150) may further include other configurations as would be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein.

III. Exemplary Coupling Mechanisms for Modular Shafts and End Effectors In some cases, using the same handle assembly (60, 152), different shaft lengths and / or different shapes of end effectors (80 , 200) may be useful. For example, in some procedures, a large amount of tissue needs to be cut, requiring various lengths of end effectors (80, 200) and / or shafts for transmission assemblies (70, 170). Sometimes. Such interchangeable shafts and / or end effectors (80, 200) may be used for various surgical procedures (eg, short shafts for open surgery, long shafts for minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, etc.). May allow a common handle assembly (60, 152) to be used. Further, replacing the shaft and / or end effector (80, 200) while reusing the same handle assembly (60, 152) can result in new surgical instruments (50, 150) of various lengths of shaft. ) May be more time and / or cost effective. By way of example only, such shafts and / or end effectors (80, 200) may be provided with a color code to identify various lengths and / or types. In other cases, the handle assembly (60, 152) may be configured to use various forms of end effectors, for example, the handle assembly (60, 152) may include an ultrasonic end effector (80) and / or RF. Components for operating the end effector (200) may be provided. In this way, time and / or cost can be saved by replacing the shaft and / or end effector (80, 200) with a common handle assembly (60, 152). Accordingly, various coupling mechanisms for coupling the modular shaft to the handle assembly (60, 152) are described below. In the method in which the ultrasonic end effector (80) is used, at least a portion of the transducer (100) may be integral with the shaft and end effector (80) and thus selectively with the handle assembly (60). It should be understood that they may be linked. Instead, the transducer (100) is selectively coupled with the transducer (100) when the shaft and end effector (80) are selectively coupled with the handle assembly (60). As such, it may be integral with the handle assembly (60).

A. Exemplary Elastic Tab on Shaft The first exemplary coupling mechanism (300) includes a tab (302) extending from an insertable portion of the shaft (320) of the exemplary end effector assembly (310) (FIG. 5A to 5B). In this example, the end effector assembly (310) includes a transmission assembly (312), a rotation knob (314), and a shaft (320) extending proximally with respect to the rotation knob (314). It should be understood that the rotary knob (314) is merely as desired and may be omitted. In other variations, the rotation knob (314) may be coupled to the handle assembly (340) and the end effector assembly (310) may be inserted through the rotation knob (314). The rotation knob (314) can rotate the transmission assembly (312) relative to the handle assembly (340) and / or the shaft (320). An end effector (not shown) is coupled to the distal end of the transmission assembly (312). The end effector may be ultrasonic end effector (80), RF end effector (200), and / or any other end effector or end effector, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. May be included. In the case of an ultrasonic end effector, such as the end effector (80), a shaft hole (not shown) through the shaft (320) is inside the handle assembly (340) from the shaft (320) of the transmission assembly (312). It can be mechanically connected to the component and may be configured in a manner similar to the assembled handle assembly (60) described above. In the case of an RF end effector, such as end effector (200), the shaft hole allows a portion of transmission assembly (312) to extend at least partially through shaft (320). The transmission assembly (312) is an internal slip ring that is electrically connectable to a complementary slip ring connector within the shaft (320) so that an electrical connection can be made from the handle assembly (340) to the end effector. A connector may be provided. In yet another alternative, fluid connections may be made through holes through the shaft (320) and / or elsewhere on the end effector assembly (310).

  In this embodiment, the pair of elastic tabs (302) extend outward from the shaft (320). The elastic tab (302) may include an elastic non-conductive material such as plastic, or the elastic tab (302) may include a conductive material such as a metallic material. If the elastic tab (302) is conductive, the elastic tab (302) is also operable to electrically connect the end effector component to the component in the handle assembly (340). There is also. For example, the elastic tab (302) may electrically connect portions of the first and second conductors (220, 222) described above. Of course, such electrical connection is merely as desired. As shown in FIGS. 5A-5B, the elastic tab (302) couples to the shaft (320) near the proximal end of the shaft (320) and as the elastic tab (302) extends distally, the shaft ( 320) extending outwardly from the longitudinal axis. In this example, the handle assembly (340) is formed within the casing (344) and is configured to receive the shaft (320) of the end effector assembly (310), the distal opening (342). It is shown to have US Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0015660 entitled "Rotating Transducer Mount for Ultrasonic Surgical Instruments" published January 20, 2011, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, or handle assembly (340) US Pat. No. 6,500,176 assembled handle assembly (60) entitled “Electrosurgical Systems and Techniques for Sealing Tissue” issued December 31, 2002, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. May further be configured for the handle assembly (152) in accordance with at least some of the teachings herein. In this example, the unlocking slider (318) is disposed on the proximal portion of the transmission assembly (312) and is connected to the tab (302) with an internal activatable member (322) (in phantom lines). Connected). The unlocking slider (318) is operable to pull the elastic tab (302) inward toward the shaft (320), thereby allowing the user to move the shaft (320) distally from the casing (344). It can be removed. Alternatively, the unlocking slider (318) may be disposed on the rotary knob (314). Still further, the handle assembly (340) includes one or more eject buttons (not shown) that depress the elastic tab (302) when the end effector assembly (310) is disconnected from the handle assembly (340). But you can.

  As shown in the sequence of FIGS. 5A-5B, when the shaft (320) of the end effector assembly (310) is inserted into the distal opening (342), the elastic tab (302) is against the shaft (320). Push down and the end effector assembly (310) is inserted. If the distal end of the elastic tab (302) passes over the casing (344) from the distal opening (342), the elastic tab (302) springs back and the end effector assembly (310) moves into the handle assembly. Connect to (340) in the longitudinal direction. In some cases, the user may actuate the slider (318) to manually retract the elastic tab (302) upon insertion into the distal opening (342). In the case of an ultrasonic instrument, the shaft (320) of the end effector assembly (310) may be screwed onto a transducer horn, such as the transducer (100) described above. Such screwing may occur simultaneously with compression of the elastic tab (302) or after the elastic tab (302) has passed over the casing (344). Alternatively, in the case of an RF instrument, the shaft (320) can be coupled with one or more electrical connectors (not shown) to couple the end effector to a power source. An exemplary electrical connection is only shown and described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 5B, the end effector assembly (310) is effectively secured longitudinally to the handle assembly (340) to provide a shaft (320), rotation knob (314), and / or transmission to the casing (314). Allows rotational movement of the assembly (312). The user may then use the assembled surgical instrument for the procedure. When the user wants to detach the end effector assembly (310) from the handle assembly (340), the user presses the elastic tab (302) fully against the shaft (320) and the user opens the distal opening (342). ) To slide the unlocking slider (318) distally until the shaft (320) can be slid from the casing (344). The user can then connect a new end effector assembly (310) to the handle assembly (340).

  Of course, other configurations for the first coupling mechanism (300) will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. For example, the elastic member (302) may include a tension spring to push the tab (302) outward from the shaft (320). Further, one or more elastically biased cams may replace the elastic tab (302). In other variations, the elastic tab (302) may instead be an elastomeric wedge that deforms to allow insertion of the end effector assembly (310). In addition, although two elastic tabs (302) are illustrated, a single elastic tab (302) or more than one elastic tab (302) may be used with the first coupling mechanism (300). . Further, the end effector assembly (310) need not necessarily be removable from the handle assembly (340). In such cases, the user may simply clear both the end effector assembly (310) and the handle assembly (340) after the surgical procedure. Various other electrical and / or mechanical coupling mechanisms and / or functions may be combined with the first coupling mechanism (300), as will be apparent from the subsequent disclosure herein.

B. Exemplary Flexible Handle Assembly Portion A second exemplary coupling mechanism (400) is a casing configured to capture the shaft (420) of an alternative exemplary end effector assembly (410). 444) of a resiliently biased portion (450) (shown in FIGS. 6A-6B). In this example, the end effector assembly (410) includes a transmission assembly (412), a rotation knob (414), and a shaft (420) extending proximally relative to the rotation knob (414). It should be understood that the rotary knob (414) is merely as desired and may be omitted. The rotation knob (414) can rotate the transmission assembly (412) relative to the handle assembly (440) and / or the shaft (420). An end effector (not shown) is coupled to the distal end of the transmission assembly (412). The end effector may be ultrasonic end effector (80), RF end effector (200), and / or any other end effector or end effector, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. May be included. In the case of an ultrasonic end effector, such as the end effector (80), a shaft hole (not shown) through the shaft (420) is connected to the transmission assembly (412) through the shaft (420) as described above for the assembled handle assembly. Allowing mechanical connection to components within the handle assembly (440), which can be configured in a manner similar to (60). In the case of an RF end effector, such as end effector (200), the shaft hole allows a portion of transmission assembly (412) to extend at least partially through shaft (420). The transmission assembly (412) is an internal slip that can be electrically connected to a complementary slip ring connector within the shaft (420) so that an electrical connection can be made from the handle assembly (440) to the end effector. A ring connector may be provided. In yet another alternative, fluid connections may be made via holes through the shaft (420) and / or elsewhere on the end effector assembly (410).

  In this example, the shaft (420) includes a peripheral inclined surface (422) and a peripheral indentation (424) that are proximal to the rotating knob (414) but distal to the inclined surface (422). . In this example, the handle assembly (440) is illustrated as having a distal opening (442) formed within the casing (444) and receives the shaft (420) of the end effector assembly (410). Configured as follows. US Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0015660 entitled “Rotating Transducer Mount for Ultrasonic Surgical Instruments” published January 20, 2011, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, or handle assembly (440) In accordance with at least part of the teachings on the assembled handle assembly (60) of US Pat. No. 6,500,176 entitled “Electrosurgical Systems and Techniques for Sealing Tissue”, issued December 31, 2002 It may be further configured for. In this example, the handle assembly (440) includes one or more resiliently biased portions (450) located at the distal end of the handle assembly (440). As shown in FIGS. 6A-6B, one or more handles (452) are coupled to the resiliently biased portion (450) for insertion of the shaft (420) or removal of the shaft (420). The user can manually open the distal end of the handle assembly (440).

  As shown in the sequence of FIGS. 6A-6B, when the shaft (420) of the end effector assembly (410) is inserted into the distal opening (442), an elastically biased portion of the handle assembly (440) ( 450) deflects outward under the influence of the inclined surface (422) around the shaft (420). When the end of the resiliently biased portion (450) contacts the indentation (424), the resiliently biased portion (450) bounces back, thereby causing the end effector assembly (410) to rotate with the rotary knob (414). ) And the distal wall of the peripheral ramp (422) to the handle assembly (440). As shown in FIG. 6B, the end effector assembly (410) allows rotational movement of the shaft (420), rotation knob (414), and / or transmission assembly (412) relative to the casing (444). And is effectively secured longitudinally to the handle assembly (440). In the case of an ultrasonic instrument, the shaft (420) of the end effector assembly (410) may be passed over a transducer horn, such as the transducer (100) described above. Such screwing may occur at the same time as the flexure deformation of the elastically biased portion (450) or after the elastically biased portion (450) has bounced back into the recess (424). Alternatively, in the case of an RF instrument, the shaft (420) can be coupled with one or more electrical connectors (not shown) to couple the end effector to a power source. An exemplary electrical connection is only shown and described with reference to FIGS. The user can then use the assembled surgical instrument for the procedure. When the user wants to detach the end effector assembly (410) from the handle assembly (440), the user will continue until the end of the resiliently biased portion (450) exceeds the distal wall of the peripheral ramp (422). One or more handles (452) of the elastically biased portion (450) are pulled outward, thereby causing the user to elastically bias the surrounding ramp (422) and shaft (420) It is possible to slide from the portion (450) to the extended distal opening (442). The user may then connect a new end effector assembly (410) to the handle assembly (440). In some variations, a tab (not shown) may be provided to pivot to open the resiliently biased portion (450). Thus, the user only needs to push on the tab to expand the distal opening (442).

  Of course, other configurations for the second coupling mechanism (400) will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. In one alternative configuration, the resiliently biased portion (450) may omit the spring, and may instead be an elastically deformable portion of the casing (444). Alternatively, the peripheral ramp (422) may include separate ramps disposed around the shaft (420) instead of a single continuous peripheral ramp. Still further, the elastic tab (302) shown in FIGS. 5A-5B may be used in place of the peripheral ramp (422). Various other electrical and / or mechanical coupling mechanisms and / or functions may also be combined with the second coupling mechanism (400), as will be apparent from the foregoing and following disclosure herein. Good.

C. Exemplary Slide Lock The third exemplary coupling mechanism (500) is a slide lock of the casing (544) configured to capture the shaft (520) of yet another exemplary end effector assembly (510). Includes portion (550) (shown in FIGS. 7A-7B). In this example, the end effector assembly (510) includes a transmission assembly (512), a rotation knob (514), and a shaft (520) extending proximally relative to the rotation knob (514). It should be understood that the rotary knob (514) is merely desired and may be omitted. The rotation knob (514) is operable to rotate the transmission assembly (512) relative to the handle assembly (540) and / or the shaft (520). An end effector (not shown) is coupled to the distal end of the transmission assembly (512). The end effector may be an ultrasonic end effector (80), an RF end effector (200), and / or any other end effector or end effector, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. Combinations may be included. In the case of an ultrasonic end effector, such as the end effector (80), a shaft hole (not shown) through the shaft (520) is inside the handle assembly (540) from the shaft (520) of the transmission assembly (512). It can be mechanically connected to the component and may be configured in a manner similar to the assembled handle assembly (60) described above. For an RF end effector, such as end effector (200), the shaft hole allows a portion of the transmission assembly (512) to extend at least partially through the shaft (520). The transmission assembly (512) is an internal slip ring connector that is electrically connectable to a complementary slip ring connector within the shaft (520) so that an electrical connection can be made from the handle assembly (540) to the end effector. You may comprise. In yet another alternative, the fluid connection may be made via a hole through the shaft (520) and / or elsewhere on the end effector assembly (510).

  In this example, the shaft (520) includes an annular flange (522) with a recess (524) located distal to the annular flange (522) and proximal to the rotation knob (514). The slide lock portion (550) is a notch configured to secure the shaft (520) of the end effector assembly (510) when the slide lock portion (550) is slidably translated to the locked position. 552) (indicated by phantom lines). Notch (552) may be configured similar to notch (952) shown in FIG. 11A. US Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0015660 entitled “Rotating Transducer Mount for Ultrasonic Surgical Instruments” published Jan. 20, 2011, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, or handle assembly (540) Handle assembly (152) according to at least part of the teachings on the assembled handle assembly (60) of US Pat. No. 6,500,176 entitled “Electrosurgical Systems and Techniques for Sealing Tissue”, issued December 31, 2002 It may be further configured for. In this example, the slide lock portion (550) is located at the distal end of the handle assembly (540), with the open position shown in FIG. 7A (with the shaft (520) and annular flange (522) inserted therein. A good opening is formed in the casing (544) and is configured to translate slidably between the locked position shown in FIG. 7B. The slide lock portion (550) of the present embodiment is a manually translatable portion, but may include a return spring biased to return the slide lock portion (550) to the locked position. Should be understood. In this embodiment, the slide lock portion (550) is housed in a vertical channel (not shown) formed in the casing (544) and includes a tab (not shown), whereby the slide lock portion ( 550) is limited to vertical translation within the channel. The slide lock portion (550) may further include a snap fit operable to couple the slide lock portion (550) to the upper portion of the casing (544) when the slide lock portion is in the locked position.

  As shown in the sequence of FIGS. 7A-7B, the slide lock portion (550) slides to form an opening through which the shaft (520) and annular flange (522) can be inserted into the handle assembly (540). Translated as possible. In the case of an ultrasonic instrument, the shaft (520) of the end effector assembly (510) may be passed over a transducer horn, such as the transducer (100) described above. Such screwing may occur before, simultaneously with, or after sliding the slide lock portion (550) into the locked position. Alternatively, in the case of an RF instrument, the shaft (520) can be coupled to one or more electrical connectors (not shown) to couple the end effector to a power source. An exemplary electrical connection is only shown and described with reference to FIGS. If a manually operable slide lock portion (550) is used, the user can move the slide lock portion (550) upward so that the notch (552) is aligned with the recess (524) of the shaft (520). Translate so that it can slide. As shown in FIG. 7B, the end effector assembly (510) has a shaft (520) relative to the casing (544) by combining a slide lock portion (550), an annular flange (522), and a rotation knob (514). , Rotation knob (514), and / or transmission assembly (512), while still allowing rotational movement, while being efficiently secured longitudinally to handle assembly (540). The user can then use the assembled surgical instrument for the procedure. When the user wishes to disconnect the end effector assembly (510) from the handle assembly (540), the user may have the annular flange (522) and shaft (520) over the slide lock portion (550) and / or notch (552). The slide lock portion (550) is translated so that it can slide downward until it can. The user can then connect a new end effector assembly (510) to the handle assembly (540).

  Of course, other configurations for the third coupling mechanism (500) will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. Various other electrical and / or mechanical coupling mechanisms and / or functions may be combined with the third coupling mechanism (500), as will become apparent from the disclosure above and later herein. May be.

D. Exemplary Threaded Slip Nut A fourth exemplary coupling mechanism (600) includes a threaded slip nut (630) disposed about the shaft (620) of the exemplary end effector assembly (610) ( 8A-8B). In this example, the end effector assembly (610) includes a transmission assembly (612), a rotation knob (614), and a shaft (620) extending proximally relative to the rotation knob (614). It should be understood that the rotary knob (614) is merely optional and may be omitted. The rotation knob (614) can rotate the transmission assembly (612) relative to the handle assembly (640) and / or the shaft (620). An end effector (not shown) is coupled to the distal end of the transmission assembly (612). The end effector may be an ultrasonic end effector (80), an RF end effector (200) and / or any other end effector as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. A combination of a plurality of end effectors may be included. In the case of an ultrasonic end effector, such as the end effector (80), a shaft hole (not shown) through the shaft (620) is inside the handle assembly (640) from the shaft (620) of the transmission assembly (612). It can be mechanically connected to the component and may be configured in a manner similar to the assembled handle assembly (60) described above. For an RF end effector, such as end effector (200), the shaft hole allows a portion of the transmission assembly (612) to extend at least partially through the shaft (620). The transmission assembly (612) can be electrically coupled to a complementary slip ring connector within the shaft (620) such that an electrical connection can be made from the handle assembly (640) to the end effector. An internal slip ring connector can be provided. In yet another alternative, fluid connections may be made by holes through the shaft (620) and / or elsewhere on the end effector assembly (610).

  In this embodiment, the threaded slip nut (630) is slidably disposed about the shaft (620). The threaded slip nut (630) includes a keyway (632) (shown in phantom) at the proximal end of the threaded slip nut (630). It should be understood that the keyway (632) can alternatively be positioned at the distal end of the threaded slip nut (630). Alternatively, the keyway (632) may extend sufficiently from the threaded slip nut (630), but the keyway (632) of this example only extends partially from the threaded slip nut (630). is there. As shown in FIGS. 8A-8B, the keyway (632) is configured to receive a keyed portion (622) of the shaft (620). In this example, the keyed portion (622) of the shaft (620) is located near the proximal end of the shaft (620) and extends outwardly from the shaft (620), but the keyed portion ( It should be understood that 622) may be located near the rotation knob (614) or distally at the midpoint of the shaft (620). In one mere alternative, the keyed portion (622) is actuated by, for example, the slider (318) shown in FIGS. May be slidable relative to the shaft (620). The shaft (620) is located at the proximal end of the shaft (620) and is sized to prevent the threaded slip nut (630) from sliding down proximal of the shaft (620). It further includes a positioning flange (624). As described below, when the user wishes to pass the threaded slip nut (630) through the female thread (650) of the handle assembly (640), the keyed portion (622) is key groove (632). ) Can be inserted. The threaded slip nut (630) of this example is then slipped distally on the shaft (620) to pull the keyed portion (622) away from the keyway (632), thereby causing the shaft (620) ), The rotation knob (614), and / or the transmission assembly (612) are free to rotate relative to the threaded slip nut (630) and / or the handle assembly (640).

  In some cases, the threaded slip nut (630) may be arranged to be slippable over an inner tube, such as, for example, the inner tube actuation member described above. In such a configuration, a threaded slip nut (630) is disclosed in US patent application entitled “Rotating Transducer Mount for Ultrasonic Surgical Instruments” published on Jan. 20, 2011, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. It may be configured to pass through a yoke such as the trigger yoke (185) described in 2011/0015660. A blade, such as the blade (82) described above, may be configured to be coupled to a transducer, such as the transducer (100) described above. The inner tube actuating member may be actuated by connecting a threaded slip nut (630) to the yoke. Thus, a clamp arm, such as the clamp arm (84) described above, is operable to sandwich tissue between the blades.

  In this example, the handle assembly (640) is illustrated as having a distal opening (642) formed within the casing (644) and the screw of the shaft (620) and end effector assembly (610). Configured to receive a slip nut (630). US Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0015660 entitled “Rotating Transducer Mount for Ultrasonic Surgical Instruments” published January 20, 2011, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, or handle assembly (640) Handle assembly (152) according to at least part of the teachings on the assembled handle assembly (60) of US Pat. No. 6,500,176 entitled “Electrosurgical Systems and Techniques for Sealing Tissue”, issued December 31, 2002 It may be further configured for. In this example, the handle assembly (640) includes a member (648) having an internal thread (650) disposed about the member opening (652). The internal thread (650) and the threaded slip nut (630) are configured to screw together to secure the end effector assembly (610) to the handle assembly (640).

  As shown in the order of FIGS. 8A to 8B, the threaded slip nut (630) of the present embodiment has a keyed portion (622) of the shaft (620) in the key groove (632) of the threaded slip nut (630). Slide proximally to mate. The degree of freedom of rotation of the threaded slip nut (630) is limited by the engagement of the keyed portion (622) and the keyway (632), and the user attaches the threaded slip nut (630) to the handle assembly (640). ) Into the female screw (650). For example, the user may screw the threaded slip nut (630) into the female thread (650) and at the same time place the threaded slip nut (630) proximal to the flange (624) on the shaft (620). An L-shaped spacer tool may be used to move it. Alternatively, the user may manually bias the threaded slip nut (630) proximally. Furthermore, the slider as described above may engage a portion of the threaded slip nut (630) to move the threaded slip nut (630) proximally. Of course, still other methods of moving the threaded slip nut (630) proximally to engage the keyed portion (622) and the keyway (632) are appropriate in view of the teachings herein. It seems to be obvious to the contractor. For example, a spring (not shown) is disposed about the shaft (620) proximal of the rotation knob (614) distal of the slip nut (630), so that the keyway (632) is keyed portion. The slip nut (630) may be biased proximally to engage (622). When the user desires to rotate the end effector assembly (610), the user grasps the rotation knob (614) and until the keyed portion (622) is pulled away from the keyway (632), the end effector. Push the assembly (610) proximally.

  Once the threaded slip nut (630) is fully screwed into the female thread (650) (eg, a torque limiting tool can be used), the end effector assembly (610) is slid proximally and keyed. The part (622) is disengaged from the keyway (632). The end effector assembly (610) may be manually slid distally, or in one alternative, a spring (not shown) located between the flange (624) and the threaded slip nut (630). The end effector assembly (610) may be moved distally. In the case of an ultrasonic instrument, the shaft (620) of the end effector assembly (610) may be screwed onto a transducer horn, such as the transducer (100) described above. Such screwing may occur before, simultaneously with, or after screwed slip nut (630) is threaded into female thread (650). Alternatively, in the case of an RF instrument, the shaft (620) can be coupled with one or more electrical connectors (not shown) to couple the end effector to a power source. An exemplary electrical connection is only shown and described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 8B, the end effector assembly (610) is effectively secured longitudinally to the handle assembly (640), and the shaft (620), rotation knob (614), and / or transmission assembly ( 612) can be rotated. The user can then use the assembled surgical instrument for the procedure. When the user desires to pull the end effector assembly (610) away from the handle assembly (640), the user can see that the keyed portion (622) of the shaft (620) is keyed on the threaded slip nut (630). Pull end effector assembly (610) distally until it engages (632). Alternatively, the L-shaped spacer tool may be pushed between the threaded slip nut (630) and the rotation knob (614) to move the threaded slip nut (630) proximally. Once the keyed portion (622) and the keyway (632) are engaged, the user unscrews the threaded slip nut (630) from the internal thread (650), thereby doing the handle assembly (640). The end effector assembly (610) can be pulled away from. The user can then connect a new end effector assembly (610) to the handle assembly (640).

  Of course, other configurations for the fourth coupling mechanism (600) will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. For example, a threaded slip nut (630) is located between the flange (624) of the shaft (620) and another annular flange (not shown), such as the annular flange (522) shown in FIGS. Also good. In this embodiment, the keyed portion (622) is moved from an initial position inside a recess (not shown) in the shaft (620) from the keyed portion (632) of the threaded slip nut (630). ) May be actuated radially outward to a position that engages. For example, the keyed portion (622) is actuated by a cam member coupled to a slider, such as the slider (318) of FIGS. 5A-5B, disposed on the transmission assembly (612) and / or the rotary knob (614). May be. Various other electrical and / or mechanical coupling mechanisms and / or functions may be combined with the fourth coupling mechanism (600) as will be apparent from the disclosure above and below in the specification. Good.

E. Exemplary T-Shaped Connector The fifth exemplary coupling mechanism (700) includes one or more T-shaped insertable connectors (734, 736, 7) with respect to the exemplary end effector assembly (710). 738) including one or more shafts (722, 724, 726) having one or more peripheral flanges (728, 730, 732) (shown in FIGS. 9A-9B). . In this example, the end effector assembly (710) includes a transmission assembly (712), a rotation knob (714), one or more shafts (722, 724) extending proximally relative to the rotation knob (714). 726). It should be understood that the rotary knob (714) is merely as desired and may be omitted. The rotation knob (714) is operable to rotate the transmission assembly (712) relative to the handle assembly (740) and / or one or more shafts (722, 724, 726). An end effector (not shown) is coupled to the distal end of the transmission assembly (712). The end effector may be an ultrasonic end effector (80), an RF end effector (200) and / or any other end effector or multiple end effectors that would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. A combination of effectors may be included.

  The exemplary end effector assembly (710) of the present invention is configured for an RF end effector, such as an end effector (200). Handle assembly (740) includes a casing (744) having a distal opening (742) into which the proximal end of end effector assembly (710) may be inserted. In this example, the handle assembly (740) includes a pair of flexibly deformable distal tabs (748), a first actuation mechanism (760), a second, disposed proximal to the distal opening (742). An actuating mechanism (770), and an electrical connection member (750). Distal tab (748) engages distal T-connector (734) to constrain longitudinal movement of end effector assembly (710) when inserted into handle assembly (740). Is operable. The proximal flange (732) of the end effector assembly (710) is one or more electrical operable to electrically couple to a complementary contact (752) on the electrical coupling member (750). Contact (720). Complementary contacts (752) are further coupled to a power source, such as a generator (20) in handle assembly (740) or an internal power source, to provide power to the end effector. Such contacts (720, 752) may be complementary slip ring contacts, annular ring contacts, male and female connectors, and / or any other suitable rotating or non-rotating electrical connection. In this example, the contacts (720, 752) include brushed slip ring electrical connections.

  As described above, end effector assembly (710) includes a proximal T-connector (738), an intermediate T-connector (736), and a distal T-connector (734). The proximal T-connector (738) and intermediate T-connector (736) of this embodiment are operable to couple to the first actuation mechanism (760) and the second actuation mechanism (770), respectively. is there. The first and second actuation mechanisms (760, 770) are operable to actuate an upper gripping portion such as an upper gripping portion (206) and a cutting mechanism such as a cutting member (210), respectively. In this example, the distal ends of the first and second actuation mechanisms (760, 770) inserted the T-connectors (736, 738) of the end effector assembly (710) into the handle assembly (740). Occasionally, each includes a cornered portion (762, 772) configured to deflect the distal ends of the first and second actuation mechanisms (760, 770) outward. If the T-connector (736, 738) is beyond the proximal end of the angled portion (762, 772), the proximal shaft (726) and the intermediate shaft (724) are connected to the T-connector (736). 738) and the first and second actuating mechanisms (760, 770) may be actuated proximally.

  In addition, the distal T-connector (734) is manipulated to couple with the flexibly deformable distal tab (748) to longitudinally secure the end effector assembly (710) to the handle assembly (740). Is possible. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein, a T-connector (734, 736, 738) and a flexibly deformable distal tab (748), a first actuation mechanism (760), And / or coupling with the second actuation mechanism (770) still allows free rotation of the end effector assembly (710) when coupled to the handle assembly (740). US Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0015660 entitled “Rotating Transducer Mount for Ultrasonic Surgical Instruments” published January 20, 2011, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, or handle assembly (740) Handle assembly (152) according to at least part of the teachings on the assembled handle assembly (60) of US Pat. No. 6,500,176 entitled “Electrosurgical Systems and Techniques for Sealing Tissue”, issued December 31, 2002 It may be further configured for.

  As shown in the sequence of FIGS. 9A-9B, a flexible deformable distal tab when the T-connectors (734, 736, 738) of the end effector assembly (710) are inserted into the distal opening (742). (748), the first actuation mechanism (760), and / or the second actuation mechanism (770) deforms outward until the T-connectors (734, 736, 738) are captured therein. As shown in FIG. 9B, the end effector assembly (710) is configured to rotate the shaft (722, 724, 726), rotation knob (714), and / or transmission assembly (712) relative to the handle assembly (740). While being effectively secured longitudinally to the handle assembly (740). The contacts (720, 752) are also electrically connected to provide power to the end effector of this embodiment. The user may then use the assembled surgical instrument for the procedure. When the user wishes to disconnect the end effector assembly (710) from the handle assembly (740), the user can have the T-connector (734, 736, 738) bendable and deformable distal tab (748), first actuation. The end effector assembly (710) may simply be pulled outward until disconnected from the mechanism (760) and / or the second actuation mechanism (770). The user can then couple a new end effector assembly (710) to the handle assembly (740). Alternatively, in this embodiment, the user pushes (780) or slides the removal mechanism of the handle assembly (740) to actuate the first and / or second actuation mechanism (760, 770) outward. And / or the distal tab (748) may be deflected. For example, the removal mechanism (780) can be distant to distract the first and / or second actuation mechanism (760, 770) and / or to allow the passage of the T-shaped connector (734, 736, 738). It may include one or more wedge members (not shown) that are operable to deflect and open the tab (748). Of course, other extraction mechanisms may be implemented. For example, a keyway may be molded into the flange (728, 730, 732) to allow passage of a T-connector (734, 736, 738) or, in one alternative, an end effector The flanges (728, 730, 732) may be operable to break apart when the assembly (710) is removed. If the flanges (728, 730, 732) are operable to break apart, this can be an indicator to the user that the end effector assembly (710) has been used previously. Additional extraction mechanisms will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein.

  Of course, other configurations for the fifth coupling mechanism (700) will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. For example, if an ultrasonic end effector such as end effector (80) is included, the proximal shaft (726) and / or flange (732) may be connected to a transducer such as transducer (100) within the handle assembly (740). It may be connected so that it can be screwed. This is merely as desired, but the distal shaft (722) and intermediate shaft (724) may also be used for other components in the handle assembly (740) such as manipulation of the clamp arm (84) described above. May be mechanically coupled to each other. In this case, the handle assembly (740) may be further made to the assembled handle assembly (60) described above in a similar manner. Various other electrical and / or mechanical coupling mechanisms and / or functions may also be combined with the fifth coupling mechanism (700), as will be apparent from the foregoing and following disclosure herein. Good.

F. Exemplary Elastic Biased Bearing A sixth exemplary coupling mechanism (800) is disposed within the handle assembly (840) and around the shaft (820) of the exemplary end effector assembly (810). A pair of resiliently biased ball bearing members (850) configured to engage the recesses (822) of the recess (shown in FIGS. 10A-10B). In this example, end effector assembly (810) includes a transmission assembly (812), a rotation knob (814), and a shaft (820) extending proximally relative to rotation knob (814). It should be understood that the rotary knob (814) is merely desired and may be omitted. The rotation knob (814) is operable to rotate the transmission assembly (812) relative to the handle assembly (840) and / or the shaft (820). An end effector (not shown) is coupled to the distal end of the transmission assembly (812). The end effector may be an ultrasonic end effector (80), an RF end effector (200) and / or any other end effector as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. A combination of a plurality of end effectors may be included. In the case of an ultrasonic end effector, such as end effector (80), a shaft hole (not shown) through shaft (820) is located inside handle assembly (840) from shaft (820) of transmission assembly (812). It can be mechanically connected to the component and may be configured in a manner similar to the assembled handle assembly (60) described above. For RF end effectors, such as end effector (200), the shaft hole may allow a portion of transmission assembly (812) to extend at least partially through shaft (820). The transmission assembly (812) is an internal slip that can be electrically connected to a complementary slip ring connector within the shaft (820) so that an electrical connection can be made from the handle assembly (840) to the end effector. A ring connector may be provided. For example, the ball bearing (852) may be electrically connected to a power source, as described below, and may be connected to a contact in the recess (822). In yet another alternative, fluid connections may be made through holes through the shaft (820) and / or elsewhere on the end effector assembly (810).

  In this example, shaft (820) includes a peripheral indentation (822) formed distal to the proximal end of shaft (820). This is merely as desired, but the recess (822) may include electrical contacts, such as a copper ring, to electrically connect the end effector assembly (810) to the ball bearing (852). In this example, the handle assembly (840) includes a casing (844), a distal opening (842) formed in the casing (844), and a pair of proximally located distal openings (842). An elastically biased ball bearing member (850) is included. The distal opening (842) is configured to receive the shaft (820) therein. Each resiliently biased ball bearing member (850) includes a ball bearing (852) and a biasing spring (854) in a recess at the distal end of the ball bearing member (850). US Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0015660 entitled “Rotating Transducer Mount for Ultrasonic Surgical Instruments” published January 20, 2011, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, or handle assembly (840) Handle assembly (152) according to at least part of the teachings on the assembled handle assembly (60) of US Pat. No. 6,500,176 entitled “Electrosurgical Systems and Techniques for Sealing Tissue”, issued December 31, 2002 It may be further configured for.

  As shown in the sequence of FIGS. 10A-10B, when the shaft (820) is inserted through the distal opening (842), the shaft (820) initially presses the ball bearing (852) against the spring (854). The ball bearing (850) continues to be pressed against the biasing spring (854) until the ball bearing (850) contacts the recess (822). The biasing spring (854) then pushes the ball bearing (852) into the recess (822), thereby coupling the ball bearing member (850) to the shaft (820). As shown in FIG. 10B, the end effector assembly (810) still allows rotational movement of the shaft (820), rotation knob (814), and / or transmission assembly (812) relative to the handle assembly (840). Thus, the ball bearing member (850) and the recess (822) are combined to be efficiently secured to the handle assembly (840) in the longitudinal direction. In the case of an ultrasonic instrument, the shaft (820) of the end effector assembly (810) may be screwed onto a transducer horn, such as the transducer (100) described above. Such screwing may occur before, simultaneously with, or after the ball bearing (852) contacts the indentation (822). Alternatively, in the case of an RF instrument, the shaft (820) may be coupled with one or more electrical connectors (not shown) to couple the end effector to a power source. An exemplary electrical connection is only shown and described with reference to FIGS. Alternatively, ball bearing (852) and / or biasing spring (854) may be configured to electrically couple the end effector to a power source. The user may then use the assembled surgical instrument for the procedure. When the user wants to disconnect the end effector assembly (810) from the handle assembly (840), the user will have the ball bearing (852) compress the biasing spring (854) and the shaft (820) will have the ball bearing (852). ) Until end effector assembly (810) is pulled. The user may then couple a new end effector assembly (810) to the handle assembly (840).

  Of course, other configurations for the sixth coupling mechanism (800) will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. For example, although this embodiment illustrates only two ball bearing members (850), a ring of resiliently biased ball bearing members (850) may be disposed around the handle assembly (840). . Alternatively, in the case of the ring of the ball bearing member (850), the biasing spring (854) may be omitted and a cam cylindrical sleeve (not shown) may connect the ring of the ball bearing (852) to the shaft ( 850) may be operable to actuate inwardly in the recess (822). Such a cylindrical sleeve may be elastically biased or manually actuated by an outer slider on the casing (844). Various other electrical and / or mechanical coupling mechanisms and / or mechanisms may be combined with the third coupling mechanism (800), as will be apparent from the disclosure above and later herein. .

G. Exemplary Lock Key Assembly A seventh exemplary coupling mechanism (900) includes an insertable lock key (950) that can be inserted into a slot (946) in the casing (944) of the handle assembly (940). Including. The lock key (950) may be inserted into a further exemplary end effector assembly (910) shown in FIGS. 11A-11B when the proximal assembly (920) is inserted through the distal opening (942) in the casing (944). ) Proximal assembly (920). In this example, the end effector assembly (910) includes a transmission assembly (912), a gear (916) coupled to the transmission assembly (910), and a proximal assembly (920) proximal to the gear (916). )including. In one merely exemplary configuration, the proximal assembly (920) includes a wave spring assembly for use with an ultrasonic end effector, such as the end effector (80) described above. Alternatively, the proximal assembly (920) provides actuable components such as the T connector and shaft described with reference to FIGS. 9A-9B to manipulate the mechanical components of the end effector assembly (910). May be included. Still further, the proximal assembly (920) may include electrical contacts to electrically couple the end effector assembly (910) to a power source, such as a power source in the generator (20) or handle assembly (940). . In yet another alternative, fluid coupling may occur via other locations on the proximal assembly (920) and / or the end effector assembly (910). As described above, an end effector (not shown) is coupled to the distal end of the transmission assembly (912). The end effector may be an ultrasonic end effector (80), an RF end effector (200) and / or any other end effector as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. A combination of a plurality of end effectors may be included.

  The handle assembly (940) includes a casing (944), a distal opening (942) formed in the casing (944), a rotation knob (914) rotatable relative to the casing (944), and a yoke assembly (948). And a slot (946) formed in the casing (944) and located proximal of the distal opening (942). Yoke assembly (948) is mechanically coupled to a trigger, such as trigger (68), and is operable to actuate one or more components of end effector assembly (910). In this example, the yoke assembly (948) includes a lock slot (949) into which a portion of the lock key (950) can be inserted. York Assembly (948) is a U.S. Patent Application No. [Attorney Docket No. END7012USNP., Filed on the same date as this specification, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. No. 5,871 824], "Ultrasonic Surgical Instrument Modular End Effector" and / or "Rotating Transducer Mountforth Instrumental No. 6 in the United States" published on January 20, 2011. It may be configured. Although this embodiment illustrates the slot (946) as a slot on the top side of the casing (944), the slot (946) is a casing as will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. It should be understood that it may be located elsewhere on (944). The rotation knob (914) of this example is complementary to that of the gear (916) and is formed in the cylindrical recess of the rotation knob (914) to attach the end effector assembly (910) to the handle assembly (940). When coupled to the gear (916), the gear (916) is insertable therein and includes teeth that engage the rotary knob (914). Of course, other configurations and functions for the handle assembly (940) will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein.

  The lock key (950) of the present embodiment is configured such that when the end effector (910) is inserted into the handle assembly (940) and the lock key (950) is inserted into the slot (946), the transmission assembly ( 912) includes a semi-circular notch (952) configured to partially surround 912). The notch (952) is smaller than the proximal assembly (920) so that the proximal assembly (920) is not translated distally when the lock key (950) engages the transmission assembly (912). Dimensions. In one alternative, the notch (952) may be configured to partially surround a portion of the proximal assembly (920). Still further, the notch (952) is a rectangular notch configured to engage a flat portion (not shown) on the transmission assembly (912) and / or the proximal assembly (920). There may be. For example, the rotational movement of the proximal assembly (920) may be constrained by a rectangular notch of the lock key (950), which in turn locks the lock key (950) into the slot (946) and locks. It may be simultaneously coupled to the yoke assembly (948) by inserting it into the slot (949). Of course, still further configurations for the lock key (950), end effector assembly (910), and / or handle assembly (940) will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. For example, US Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0015660 entitled “Rotating Transducer Mount for Ultrasonic Surgical Instruments” published January 20, 2011, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Or US Pat. No. 6,500,176, entitled “Electrosurgical Systems and Techniques for Sealing Tissue”, issued December 31, 2002, at least in part to the teachings of the handle assembly (60) 152) may be further configured.

  As shown in FIG. 11A, the lock key (950) is first removed from the handle assembly (940). The proximal assembly (920) and the proximal portion of the transmission assembly (912) are then inserted through an opening in the rotation knob (914) until the gear (916) contacts the rotation knob (914). The gear (916) is then rotated until it can be inserted into a complementary tooth in the cylindrical recess of the rotation knob (914). Once the gear (916) is inserted into the rotation knob (914), the proximal assembly (920) is torqued as desired over a horn of a transducer, such as the transducer (100) described above, It may be electrically coupled to electrical connections in the handle assembly (940) and / or otherwise coupled. An exemplary electrical connection is only shown and described with reference to FIGS. Such screwing, electrical connection, and / or other methods of connection may occur before, simultaneously with, or after the gear (916) is inserted into the rotary knob (914). If the flat portion is included on the transmission assembly (912) and / or the proximal assembly (920), the rotary knob (914) and / or the transmission assembly (912) may include the flat portion in the slot (946). And may be rotated to align. In this example, since the notch (952) is a semi-circular notch configured to fit around the transmission assembly (912), the rotation knob (914) need not be rotated. The lock key (950) is then placed in the slot (946) and lock slot (949) to secure the end effector assembly (910) to the handle assembly (940) and / or the yoke assembly (948) therein. Inserted into. The user may then use the assembled surgical instrument for the procedure. When the user wishes to disconnect the end effector assembly (910) from the handle assembly (940), the user removes the lock key (950) and pulls the end effector assembly (910). The user can then connect a new end effector assembly (910) to the handle assembly (940).

  Of course, other configurations for the seventh coupling mechanism (900) will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. For example, the lock key (950) may include a snap fit (not shown) and / or a seal to connect and / or seal the lock key (950) to the casing (944). Lock key (950) may include a resilient end for snapping around transmission assembly (912) and / or proximal assembly (920). Various other electrical and / or mechanical coupling mechanisms and / or functions may be combined with the seventh coupling mechanism (900), as will be apparent from the disclosure above and below. Also good.

H. Exemplary Locking Tab Assembly An eighth exemplary coupling mechanism includes a pair of extensions that extend from opposite sides of a bolt portion (1040) that is rotatably locked into a rotating recess (1110) of a handle assembly (1100). An end effector assembly (1000) having a locking tab (1050) is included (shown in FIGS. 12-14). Referring initially to FIG. 12, the end effector assembly (1000) includes a transmission assembly (1010), a rotating portion (1020), and a bolt portion (1040). As shown in cross section in FIG. 12, the transmission assembly (1010) is secured to and extends from the rotating portion (1020). The rotating portion (1020) is merely as desired, and the transmission assembly (1010) may be fixedly coupled to the bolt portion (1040) or the transmission assembly (1010) to the bolt portion (1040). It should be understood that they may be coupled so that they may rotate relative to each other. The rotating portion (1020) includes a rotating knob (1022) that is operable to rotate the transmission assembly (1010) relative to the handle assembly (1100) and / or the bolt portion (1040). An end effector (not shown) is coupled to the distal end of the transmission assembly (1010). The end effector may be an ultrasonic end effector (80), an RF end effector (200) and / or any other end effector as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. A combination of a plurality of end effectors may be included. In the illustrated embodiment, the conductive wire (1012) extends from the transmission assembly (1010) and is mounted on the outer surface of the rotating portion (1040) located near the proximal end of the end effector assembly (1000). Connected to the first slip ring (1024).

  The bolt portion (1040) allows 360 degree rotation of the rotating portion (1020) relative to the bolt portion (1040) while the first and second slip rings (1024, 1044) are electrically connected. As such, it includes slip ring contacts (1044) (eg, brushes, pins, etc.) mounted on the inner surface of the bolt portion (1040) that is electrically coupled to the first slip ring (1024). In this embodiment, the bolt part (1040) is a coaxial tubular cylinder disposed on a part of the side of the rotating part (1020) (shown in FIGS. 12 to 13). Rotation at the proximal end (1042) of the bolt portion (1040) and the proximal flange (1026) on the proximal ledge (1046) and rotation at the distal end (1041) of the bolt portion (1040) Distal flange (1028) on portion (1020) and distal ledge (1048) may rotate bolt portion (1040) and / or rotating portion (1020) relative to other assemblies and / or handle assembly (1100). While allowing the longitudinal movement of the bolt portion (1040) relative to the rotating portion (1020).

  The bolt portion (1040) further includes a pair of locking tabs (1050) extending outwardly from the bolt portion (1040) on opposite sides of the bolt portion (1040). While a pair of locking tabs (1050) are shown in FIGS. 12-13, it should be understood that a single locking tab (1050) or more than one locking tab (1050) may be included. For example, in some merely exemplary alternatives, three tabs (1050) or four tabs (1050) may extend from bolt portion (1040). The locking tab (1050) of this example is provided on the second slip ring (1044) so that the electrical contact (1052) can provide power to the end effector when power is coupled to the electrical contact (1052). One or more electrical contacts (1052) that are electrically coupled are included. The locking tab (1050) is coupled to the handle assembly (1100) and is operable to identify one or more optically sensitive indicators (1054) (opening) operable to identify the end effector assembly (1000). Etc.). For example, one or more optoelectronic sensors (1116) (shown in FIG. 14) can be used to detect the presence or absence of the indicator (1054) at various locations on the locking tab (1050). May be included. Such absence and / or detection may be converted into bit data that can be used to identify the shape, size, and / or other function of the end effector assembly (1000). Alternatively, the optically sensitive indicator (1054) is instead configured to transmit data (eg, fiber optic transmission) from one or more sensors in the end effector to the optoelectronic sensor (1116). May be. Still further, the indicator (1054) may instead be replaced by an RFID component and the optoelectronic sensor (1116) may be replaced by an RFID reader. For example, a near field RFID system may be used. Merely by way of example, such data and / or information may be used to adjust settings on the generator (20), control modules in the handle assembly (1100), and / or any other adjustable electronic component settings. It may be used for control. For example, operational settings for the toggle button (1120) (shown in FIG. 14) may be adjusted depending on the shape and / or size of the attached end effector. In some variations, the indicator (1054) and the optoelectronic sensor (1116) (or these variations such as RFID components) are suitable for use of the end effector assembly (1000) with the handle assembly (1100) and / or. Or it may be configured to authenticate as a certified end effector assembly.

  The handle assembly (1100) shown in FIG. 14 includes a casing (1102), a distal opening (1104) configured to receive the proximal end of the end effector (1100), one or more toggle buttons ( 1120), a trigger (1130), and a pair of rotating indentations (1110) proximal to the distal opening (1104) (shown in phantom). The distal opening (1104) includes a circular portion (1106) and a vertical tab portion (1108), but the tab portion (1108) may be oriented horizontally or at any other angle. It should be understood that The rotating indentation (1110) is shown at a rotation angle of approximately 45 degrees relative to the vertical tab portion (1108) to insert and rotate the locking tab (1050) into the distal opening (1104). When placed in the recess (1110), the rotating recess (1110) and locking tab (1050) prevent the end effector assembly (1000) from translating distally from the distal opening (1104). It should be understood that the rotating indentation (1110) may extend in an angular range of approximately 10 degrees to 180 degrees. In some configurations, if such rotation does not translate the end effector assembly (1000) distally from the distal opening (1104), the angular range of the rotating indentation (1110) is less than 10 degrees, for example 1 May be degrees. To resist the rotational movement of the locking tab (1050), a pawl (1112) (shown in phantom) is provided over a portion of the rotating recess (1110), thereby locking tab (1050) within the rotating recess (1110). Is fixed further. It should be understood that the pawl (1112) is merely as desired. One or more electrical contacts (1114) and optoelectronic sensors (1116) couple to and / or sense electrical contacts (1052) and / or optically sensitive indicators (1054), respectively. For this purpose, it is connected to the inner rotational surface of the rotary indentation (1110). Of course, such components may be omitted. In addition, a spring (not shown) is used to engage the proximal end (1042) of the bolt portion (1040) and / or the rotating portion (1020) when inserting the end effector assembly (1100). (1100) may be provided on the proximal wall. Thus, the spring may provide a distal bias to facilitate one-handed removal of the bolt portion (1040) from within the handle assembly (1100).

  When the user wishes to connect the end effector assembly (1000) to the handle assembly (1100) by the eighth exemplary coupling mechanism described herein, the user first attaches the locking tab (1050) to the distal opening ( 1104) is aligned with the vertical portion (1108) and the proximal end of the end effector assembly (1000) is inserted into the distal opening (1104). If a spring is provided on the proximal wall, the bolt portion (1040) and / or the proximal end (1042) of the rotating portion (1020) may engage the spring. As the user inserts more end effector assembly (1000), the spring compresses. The spring may be in a compressed state when the bolt portion (1040) is rotated to lock the locking tab (1050) into the rotating recess (1110). In some variations, the user rotates distally of the bolt portion (1040), which may include jagged, ridged, scalloped, etc. to rotate the locking tab (1050) into the rotating indentation (1110). The part may be gripped. The locking tab (1050) of the present example is rotated beyond the resistance provided by the pawl (1112) and one or more electrical contacts (1114) are connected to the electrical contacts (1052), and the optoelectronic sensor (1116). ) Is fixed to sense the indicator (1054). The user may then use the assembled surgical instrument for the procedure. When the user wishes to disconnect the end effector assembly (1000) from the handle assembly (1100), the user rotates the bolt portion (1040) to overcome the resistance of the pawl (1112). The user then withdraws the end effector assembly (1000) from the handle assembly (1100) once the locking tab (1050) is vertically aligned with the vertical portion (1108) of the distal opening (1104). If a spring is included on the proximal wall, the spring may help expel the end effector assembly (1000) from the handle assembly (1100). The user may then connect a new end effector assembly (1000) to the handle assembly (1100).

  In one configuration for use with an ultrasonic end effector, such as end effector (80), transmission assembly (1010) extends proximally beyond the proximal face (1042) of bolt portion (1040). Also good. The transmission assembly (1010) operates a horn of a transducer, such as the transducer (100), and / or a clamp arm (84), which may be configured in a manner similar to the assembled handle assembly (60) described above. And other mechanically coupled devices may be mechanically coupled within the handle assembly (1100). In the case of an RF end effector, such as end effector (200), transmission assembly (1010) may be mechanically and / or electrically coupled to a component within handle assembly (1100). Alternatively, as described above, the locking tab (1050) may provide power to the RF end effector through an electrical contact (1114) coupled to the electrical contact (1052). In still further variations, the locking tab (1050) may lock into a yoke assembly, such as the yoke assembly (948) described above. Additional configurations for the end effector assembly (1000) and / or handle assembly (1100) will be apparent to those skilled in the art with respect to the teachings herein. For example, in one merely exemplary alternative configuration, the rotating indentation (1110) causes the locking tab (1050) to follow a helical path as the end effector assembly (1000) is pushed into the handle assembly (1100). It may be configured to be a helical recess extending proximally from the vertical portion (1108) to follow. The pawl (1112) may secure the locking tab (1050) within a helical recess.

  Of course, other configurations for the eighth coupling mechanism will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. Various other electrical and / or mechanical coupling mechanisms and / or functions may be combined with the eighth coupling mechanism, as will be apparent from the foregoing and subsequent disclosures herein. For example, the optically sensitive indicator (1054) and optoelectronic sensor (1116) may be incorporated into any of the end effector assemblies and handle assemblies described herein.

  The previous coupling mechanism focused on the mechanical coupling of various end effector assemblies and handle assemblies (although various electrical couplings have been described) to various end effectors, May be included. Accordingly, the following description describes various electrical coupling mechanisms that may be incorporated in whole or in part with the previous coupling mechanism and / or any other coupling mechanism.

I. Exemplary Threaded Electrode Connection The exemplary first electrical coupling mechanism (1200) is threaded into the complementary screw (1252) of the threaded member (1250) in the handle assembly (1240), One or more threaded electrodes (1230) on the end effector assembly (1210) are included (shown in FIG. 15). In this example, the exemplary end effector assembly (1210) includes a transmission assembly (1212), a rotation knob (1214), and a shaft (1220) extending proximally relative to the rotation knob (1214). It should be understood that the rotary knob (1214) is merely optional and may be omitted. The rotation knob (1214) is operable to rotate the transmission assembly (1212) relative to the handle assembly (1240) and / or the shaft (1220). An end effector (not shown) is coupled to the distal end of the transmission assembly (1212). The end effector may be an ultrasonic end effector (80), an RF end effector (200) and / or any other end effector as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. A combination of a plurality of end effectors may be included.

  In this example, the second shaft (1222) extends proximally from the shaft (1220). One or more threaded electrodes (1230) are coupled to the second shaft (1222) and within the complementary screw (1252) of the threaded member (1250) within the handle assembly (1240). Configured to be screwed into. If one or more threaded electrodes (1230) are then included (eg, longitudinally and / or radially spaced electrodes (1230)), then insulating material (not shown) is adjacent The electrode (1230) to be separated may be separated. Post (1224) extends proximally from threaded electrode (1230). Opposing polar contacts (1232) are connected to the proximal end of post (1224) and are configured to electrically connect to corresponding contacts (1256) within threaded member (1250). One or more insulated wires are connected to the post (1224), second shaft (1222) to electrically connect the end effector to the threaded electrode (1230) and / or contact (1232). ), Shaft (1220), and / or transmission assembly (1212). In this example, threaded member (1250) is a tube member having a complementary screw (1252) at the distal end. The threaded member (1250) is disposed about the coaxial tube insulation (1254) and, in turn, is disposed about the corresponding contact (1256). In this embodiment, the threaded member (1250) is a conductive component that is electrically connected to the cathode of the power source, and the corresponding contact (1256) is electrically connected to the anode of the power source. Of course, the polarity may be reversed. Insulation (1254) separates threaded member (1250) from corresponding contact (1256).

  When the end effector assembly (1210) is coupled to the handle assembly (1240) (either by one of the previously described coupling mechanisms and / or otherwise), the threaded electrode (1230) is a complementary screw. (1252), thereby electrically connecting the threaded electrode (1232) with the threaded member (1250). The threaded electrode (1230) may continue to pass through the complementary screw (1252) until the contact (1232) abuts and electrically couples with the corresponding contact (1256). As such, power may be supplied to the end effector of the end effector assembly (1200).

  Of course, other configurations for the first electrical coupling mechanism (1200) may be used. Indeed, in one alternative example, the contact (1232) and corresponding contact (1256) may be complementary threaded components, and the threaded electrode (1230) may be a threaded member. It may be a disc adjacent to (1250) and configured to be electrically connected. Contact (1232) and threaded electrode (1230) may both be threaded components, or both may be electrical connections of contacts. Still other configurations for the first electrical coupling mechanism (1200) will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. As is apparent from the disclosure herein, various other electrical and / or mechanical coupling mechanisms and / or functions may be combined with the first electrical coupling mechanism (1200).

J. et al. Exemplary Elastic Biased Electrical Connection An exemplary second electrical coupling mechanism (1300) includes a corresponding contact on another exemplary end effector assembly (1310), as shown in FIG. 1322, 1324) includes one or more spring-loaded contacts (1350) in the handle assembly (1340) for contacting and electrically connecting. In this example, the exemplary end effector assembly (1310) includes a transmission assembly (1312), a rotation knob (1314), and a shaft (1320) extending proximally relative to the rotation knob (1314). It should be understood that the rotary knob (1314) is merely optional and may be omitted. The rotation knob (1314) is operable to rotate the transmission assembly (1312) relative to the handle assembly (1340) and / or the shaft (1320). An end effector (not shown) is coupled to the distal end of the transmission assembly (1312). The end effector may be an ultrasonic end effector (80), an RF end effector (200) and / or any other end effector as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. A combination of a plurality of end effectors may be included.

  In this embodiment, the contacts (1322, 1324) are ring contacts connected to the shaft (1320) and disposed around the shaft (1320). As shown in FIG. 16, the spring-loaded contact (1350) is biased against the shaft (1320) by the spring (1352). When the end effector (1310) is inserted into the handle assembly (1340) and aligned longitudinally (such as by one of the coupling mechanisms described herein), the first spring-loaded contact (1350) is supported. The second spring-loaded contact (1350) is electrically connected to another corresponding contact (1324). Thus, the end effector of the end effector assembly (1310) is electrically connected to the spring-loaded contact (1350) and the contacts (1322, 1324) even when the end effector assembly (1310) is rotated relative to the handle assembly (1340). Power can be supplied by connection. In some variations, biased leaf spring contacts may be used in place of spring-loaded contacts (1350).

  Of course, other configurations for the second electrical coupling mechanism (1300) may be used. Indeed, in one alternative method, a third electrical coupling mechanism (1400) is shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the spring-loaded contact (1450) is mounted horizontally, but the pair of spring-pressed contacts (1450) are mounted on the housing assembly (1440) as with the second electrical coupling mechanism (1300). Is done. The end effector assembly (1410) is a proximal end of the shaft (1420), which is an annular contact (1422) coaxial with the axis of the shaft (1420) and a central contact (1424) disposed on the axis of the shaft (1420). Including above. When the end effector assembly (1410) is inserted into the housing assembly (1440), the first spring-loaded contact (1450) is electrically connected to the annular contact (1422) and the second spring-loaded contact (1450). ) Electrically connect to the central contact (1424). Thus, the end effector of the end effector assembly (1410) can be powered by the electrical connection of the spring-loaded contacts (1450) and contacts (1422, 1424) even when the end effector assembly (1410) is rotated. Still other configurations for the second electrical coupling mechanism (1300) and / or the third electrical coupling mechanism (1400) will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. As will be apparent from the disclosure herein, various other electrical and / or mechanical coupling mechanisms and / or functions may be included in the second electrical coupling mechanism (1300) and / or the third electrical coupling. You may combine with a mechanism (1400).

  For the foregoing embodiments, the handle assembly and / or end effector should be construed as being reusable, can be placed in an autoclave, and / or can be disposable. For example, the aforementioned end effector can be disposable, while the handle assembly can be reused and / or placed in an autoclave. In addition, if an internal power source is used with the aforementioned handle assembly, the internal power source is rechargeable. For example, the handle assembly may be recharged using a plug upon recharging by battery removal and recharging, induction, and / or other methods that would be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. It may be charged. Further, an alignment mechanism or guide may be provided to assist in alignment and coupling of the end effector and handle assembly. Such a guide may help prevent damage to the end effector and / or handle assembly during assembly of the surgical instrument.

  While certain configurations of exemplary surgical instruments have been described, various other ways in which surgical instruments can be constructed will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. . By way of example only, the surgical instrument referred to herein is disclosed in US Pat. Nos. 6,500,176, 6,783,524, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 7,416,101, 7,738,971, 6,783,524, U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2006/0079874, 2007/0191713, 2007/0282333, Assembled according to at least part of the teachings of 2008/0200940, 2009/0209990, 2009/043797, 2010/0069940, and / or US provisional application 61 / 410,603. obtain.

  Any patents, publications, or other disclosures that are stated to be incorporated herein by reference are incorporated in their entirety or in part by the incorporated literature in their current definitions, views, or disclosures. It should be recognized that it is incorporated herein to the extent that it does not contradict other disclosures. Thus, to the extent necessary, the disclosure expressly set forth herein shall supersede any conflicting matter incorporated herein by reference. Anything that is inconsistent with the current definitions, descriptions, or other disclosures described herein, or parts thereof, that are stated to be incorporated herein by reference are incorporated by reference. To the extent that there is no discrepancy between this and the current disclosure.

  Embodiments of the present invention have applications in conventional endoscopes and open surgical instruments and robot-assisted surgery. For example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the various teachings herein are US patents entitled “Robotic Surgical Tool with Ultrasounding and Cutting Instrument” published on August 31, 2004, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. It will be appreciated that it may be easily combined with the various teachings of 6,783,524.

  By way of example only, the embodiments described herein may be processed before surgery. First, new or used instruments may be obtained and may be cleaned as necessary. The instrument may then be sterilized. In one sterilization method, the instrument is placed in a closed and sealed container, such as a plastic or TYVEK bag. The container and instrument may then be placed in a field of radiation that can penetrate the container, such as gamma rays, x-rays, or high energy electrons. Radiation can kill bacteria on the instrument and in the container. The sterilized instrument may then be stored in a sterile container. The sealed container can keep the instrument sterile until it is opened in the medical facility. The device may also be sterilized using any other technique known in the art, including but not limited to beta or gamma radiation, ethylene oxide, or water vapor.

  Embodiments of the devices disclosed herein may be reconditioned for reuse after at least one use. Reconditioning may include any combination of the steps of disassembling the device, followed by cleaning and replacing certain parts, and subsequent reassembly. In particular, the device embodiments disclosed herein may be disassembled, and any number of the particular pieces or parts of the device may be selectively replaced or removed in any combination. May be. Upon cleaning and / or replacement of particular parts, each embodiment of the device can be reassembled for subsequent use either at a reconditioning facility or by a surgical team immediately prior to a surgical procedure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that instrument reconditioning may utilize a variety of techniques for disassembly, cleaning / replacement, and reassembly. The use of such techniques, and the resulting reconditioned device, are all within the scope of this application.

  While various embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, further modifications to the methods and systems described herein may be achieved by appropriate modifications by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. While some of such possible modifications have been described, other modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the examples, embodiments, geometric figures, materials, dimensions, ratios, processes, etc. discussed above are exemplary and not essential. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be considered from the following claims, and should not be construed to be limited to the details of construction and operation shown and described herein and in the drawings.

Embodiment
(1) a surgical instrument,
(A) a body assembly,
i. trigger,
ii. A casing having a distal opening formed at the distal end; and iii. A body assembly including a first linkage assembly portion;
(B) an end effector assembly,
i. Proximal shaft,
ii. A transmission assembly extending distally from the proximal shaft;
iii. An end effector coupled to the distal end of the transmission assembly; and iv. An end effector assembly including a second coupling assembly portion;
The second coupling assembly portion is insertable into the distal opening, and the second coupling assembly portion is operable to removably couple to the first coupling assembly portion. A surgical instrument wherein the end effector assembly is prevented from translating distally by coupling of the first coupling assembly portion to the second coupling assembly portion.
(2) The end effector assembly further includes a rotatable knob coupled to the transmission assembly and disposed distally on the proximal shaft, the rotatable knob being attached to the body assembly. The surgical instrument of embodiment 1, wherein the surgical instrument is operable to rotate the transmission assembly relative to the transmission instrument.
(3) The end effector is operable when the first connection assembly portion and the second connection assembly portion connect the first connection assembly portion and the second connection assembly portion together. The surgical instrument of embodiment 1, wherein the surgical instrument is operable to mechanically couple a portion to the body assembly.
(4) When the first coupling assembly part and the second coupling assembly part connect the first coupling assembly part and the second coupling assembly part together, power is supplied to a part of the end effector. The surgical instrument of embodiment 1, wherein the surgical instrument is operable to be electrically coupled to the instrument.
(5) when the first connection assembly part and the second connection assembly part connect the first connection assembly part and the second connection assembly part together;
(A) mechanically connecting an operable portion of the end effector to the body assembly;
(B) electrically coupling a portion of the end effector to a power source;
The surgical instrument of embodiment 1, wherein the surgical instrument is operable.

6. The embodiment 1 wherein the first coupling mechanism portion includes a portion of the casing and the second coupling mechanism portion includes one or more elastic tabs extending outwardly from the proximal shaft. The surgical instrument according to 1.
(7) The first coupling assembly portion includes one or more resiliently biased portions of the casing, and the second coupling assembly portion extends outwardly from the proximal shaft. The surgical instrument of claim 1, including the inclined surface.
8. The surgical of embodiment 1, wherein the first coupling assembly portion includes a translatable portion of the casing and the second coupling assembly portion includes an annular flange on the proximal shaft. Appliances.
(9) The first coupling assembly portion includes a threaded member within the casing, and the second coupling assembly portion includes a threaded nut disposed about the proximal shaft. The surgical instrument of claim 1.
(10) the proximal shaft includes one or more keyed portions and a flange positioned on a proximal end of the proximal shaft, wherein the threaded nut is a distal portion of the flange; Embodiment 10. The surgical instrument of embodiment 9, wherein the surgical instrument is slidably positioned and the threaded nut includes a keyway.

(11) The first coupling assembly portion includes one or more resiliently biased bearing members, and the second coupling mechanism portion is formed in a portion of the proximal shaft. The surgical instrument of embodiment 1, including a peripheral indentation.
(12) The first coupling assembly portion includes a lock key, the second coupling assembly portion includes a proximal segment of the transmission assembly, and the casing receives a portion of the lock key. The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein the locking key is coupled to the proximal segment of the transmission assembly and constrains distal translation of the proximal shaft. .
(13) The body assembly includes a yoke assembly having a lock slot configured to receive a portion of the lock key, and when the lock key is inserted into the lock slot, the yoke assembly is The surgical instrument of embodiment 12, wherein the surgical shaft is operable to operate proximally.
The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein the end effector comprises an ultrasonic end effector.
The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein the end effector comprises an RF electrosurgical end effector.

(16) a surgical instrument,
(A) a body assembly,
i. trigger,
ii. A casing having a distal opening formed at the distal end; and iii. A body assembly including one or more rotating indentations disposed proximal to the distal opening;
(B) an end effector assembly,
i. A bolt portion having one or more locking tabs extending outwardly;
ii. A transmission assembly coupled to and extending distally from the bolt portion; and iii. An end effector assembly including an end effector coupled to a distal end of the transmission assembly;
A portion of the bolt portion having the one or more locking tabs is insertable through the distal opening of the casing, and the bolt portion rotates the one or more locking tabs. A surgical instrument operable to be placed in the one or more rotating indentations.
(17) the one or more locking tabs include electrical contacts, the one or more rotating indents include complementary electrical contacts, and the one or more locking tabs are rotated. Embodiment 17. The surgical instrument of embodiment 16, wherein the electrical contact and the complementary electrical contact are configured to electrically connect when placed in the one or more rotating indentations.
(18) When the end effector assembly further includes one or more indicators, and the body assembly further includes one or more sensors to couple the end effector assembly to the body assembly. The surgical instrument of embodiment 16, wherein the one or more sensors are operable to recognize the one or more indicators.
19. The end effector assembly according to claim 16, further comprising a rotating portion coupled to the transmission assembly and operable to rotate the transmission assembly relative to the body assembly. Surgical instruments.
(20) a surgical instrument,
(A) a body assembly;
(B) an end effector assembly;
(C) a coupling assembly operable to selectively couple the end effector assembly to the body assembly;
The coupling assembly is operable to mechanically couple the end effector assembly to the body assembly;
The end effector assembly is longitudinally secured to the body assembly, the effector assembly being rotatable relative to the body assembly;
A surgical instrument, wherein the coupling assembly is further operable to electrically couple the end effector assembly to a power source.

Claims (20)

A surgical instrument,
(A) a body assembly,
i. trigger,
ii. A casing having a distal opening formed at the distal end; and iii. A body assembly including a first linkage assembly portion;
(B) an end effector assembly,
i. Proximal shaft,
ii. A transmission assembly extending distally from the proximal shaft;
iii. An end effector coupled to the distal end of the transmission assembly; and iv. An end effector assembly including a second coupling assembly portion;
The second coupling assembly portion is insertable into the distal opening, and the second coupling assembly portion is operable to removably couple to the first coupling assembly portion. A surgical instrument wherein the end effector assembly is prevented from translating distally by coupling of the first coupling assembly portion to the second coupling assembly portion.   The end effector assembly further includes a rotatable knob coupled to the transmission assembly and disposed distally to the proximal shaft, the rotatable knob being in relation to the body assembly. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein the surgical instrument is operable to rotate the transmission assembly.   When the first connection assembly portion and the second connection assembly portion connect the first connection assembly portion and the second connection assembly portion together, the operable portion of the end effector is The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein the surgical instrument is operable to mechanically couple to the body assembly.   When the first connection assembly portion and the second connection assembly portion connect the first connection assembly portion and the second connection assembly portion together, a portion of the end effector is electrically connected to a power source. The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein the surgical instrument is operable to be coupled to the surgical instrument. When the first connection assembly part and the second connection assembly part connect the first connection assembly part and the second connection assembly part together;
(A) mechanically connecting an operable portion of the end effector to the body assembly;
(B) electrically coupling a portion of the end effector to a power source;
The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein the surgical instrument is operable.   The first coupling mechanism portion includes a portion of the casing, and the second coupling mechanism portion includes one or more elastic tabs extending outward from the proximal shaft. Surgical instruments.   The first coupling assembly portion includes one or more resiliently biased portions of the casing, and the second coupling assembly portion is a peripheral ramp that extends outwardly from the proximal shaft. The surgical instrument of claim 1, comprising:   The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein the first coupling assembly portion includes a translatable portion of the casing, and the second coupling assembly portion includes an annular flange on the proximal shaft.   The first coupling assembly portion includes a threaded member within the casing, and the second coupling assembly portion includes a threaded nut disposed about the proximal shaft. The surgical instrument according to 1.   The proximal shaft includes one or more keyed portions and a flange located on a proximal end of the proximal shaft, and the threaded nut slides distally of the flange The surgical instrument according to claim 9, wherein the surgical instrument is operatively disposed and the threaded nut includes a keyway.   The first coupling assembly portion includes one or more resiliently biased bearing members, and the second coupling mechanism portion is a peripheral indentation formed in a portion of the proximal shaft. The surgical instrument of claim 1, comprising:   The first linkage assembly portion includes a lock key, the second linkage assembly portion includes a proximal segment of the transmission assembly, and the casing is configured to receive a portion of the lock key. The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein the locking key is coupled to the proximal segment of the transmission assembly to constrain distal translation of the proximal shaft.   The body assembly includes a yoke assembly having a lock slot configured to receive a portion of the lock key, and when the lock key is inserted into the lock slot, the yoke assembly is The surgical instrument of claim 12, wherein the surgical instrument is operable to actuate the shaft proximally.   The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein the end effector comprises an ultrasonic end effector.   The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein the end effector comprises an RF electrosurgical end effector. A surgical instrument,
(A) a body assembly,
i. trigger,
ii. A casing having a distal opening formed at the distal end; and iii. A body assembly including one or more rotating indentations disposed proximal to the distal opening;
(B) an end effector assembly,
i. A bolt portion having one or more locking tabs extending outwardly;
ii. A transmission assembly coupled to and extending distally from the bolt portion; and iii. An end effector assembly including an end effector coupled to a distal end of the transmission assembly;
A portion of the bolt portion having the one or more locking tabs is insertable through the distal opening of the casing, and the bolt portion rotates the one or more locking tabs. A surgical instrument operable to be placed in the one or more rotating indentations.   The one or more locking tabs include electrical contacts, the one or more rotating indents include complementary electrical contacts, and the one or more locking tabs are rotated to rotate the one or more locking tabs. The surgical instrument of claim 16, wherein the electrical contact and the complementary electrical contact are configured to electrically connect when placed in two or more rotating indentations.   The end effector assembly further includes one or more indicators, the body assembly further includes one or more sensors, and the first effector assembly is coupled to the body assembly when the end effector assembly is coupled to the body assembly. The surgical instrument according to claim 16, wherein one or more sensors are operable to recognize the one or more indicators.   The surgical instrument of claim 16, wherein the end effector assembly further includes a rotating portion coupled to the transmission assembly and operable to rotate the transmission assembly relative to the body assembly. . A surgical instrument,
(A) a body assembly;
(B) an end effector assembly;
(C) a coupling assembly operable to selectively couple the end effector assembly to the body assembly;
The coupling assembly is operable to mechanically couple the end effector assembly to the body assembly;
The end effector assembly is longitudinally secured to the body assembly, the effector assembly being rotatable relative to the body assembly;
A surgical instrument, wherein the coupling assembly is further operable to electrically couple the end effector assembly to a power source.

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